**Updated to Include Names** Apparent Murder/Suicide Under Investigation in Dunkirk

An apparent murder suicide occurred in the Village of Dunkirk today.

 Hardin County Sheriff Keith Everhart said his office received a report about an active domestic situation in the 300 block of South Main Street in the village at around 8 Thursday morning.

He said by the time deputies arrived, the male, identified as Joshua Leichner, had left the residence.

A lengthy search of the village was conducted, but he could not be located.

Sheriff Everhart said around 10 minutes after deputies cleared the scene, the sheriff’s office got a call stating that Leichner was back, “Unfortunately it resulted in what appears to be a murder/suicide. It appears that Leichner shot his wife, Catrisha Larson and then took his own life.   We’re in the very preliminary stages, but that’s what it appears at this time.” 

The Sheriff said the investigation now is focused on processing the crime scene, “I have B.C.I here to assist my staff. This is a crime scene so we may be here the next couple of days. There’s a lot of processes that have to occur now. There’s a daughter that we need to consider and help out and make sure she’s taken care of, but other than that, that’s where we’re at.”